Union Army Artillery Sergeant (Cpl. Sgt.) American Civil War – Custom Printed Brick Block Figure

Character Identification: Union Army Artillery Sergeant

This image displays a 2D design render for a Custom Printed Brick Block Figure representing an enlisted leader in the Union Army’s Artillery branch during the American Civil War (1861–1865). 

Specific Name and Visual Details

• Specific Name: Union Army Artillery Sergeant (Cpl. Sgt.)

• Head and Facial Hair: The figure is rendered with medium brown hair, a full beard, and a matching mustache, typical of 19th-century soldiers in the field.

• Headgear: He wears a standard federal blue (dark blue) kepi (cap), featuring yellow/gold crossed cannons insignia on the front, which was the official branch insignia for artillery units.

• Upper Body and Rank:

  • He is dressed in a dark blue (federal blue) uniform tunic.

  • The tunic is adorned with red piping/trim on the collar and sleeve cuffs, which is the distinctive branch color for Artillery.

  • On both sleeves are three red downward-pointing chevrons. In the military ranking system, three chevrons designate the rank of Sergeant (中士), marking him as an NCO with significant leadership responsibility. (Note: The image label “Cpl. Sgt.” seems to combine Corporal and Sergeant, but the three chevrons and Chinese “中士” confirm Sergeant.)

• Trousers: He wears standard Union-issue sky blue trousers.

• Gear and Accessories:

  • Around his waist is a black leather belt with a rectangular brass plate buckle featuring a prominent US emblem.

  • He is equipped with a period-accurate grey cap-and-ball revolver (like a Colt 1860 Army or Remington 1858 model) with a brown grip. Sidearms were essential for artillery NCOs who needed their hands free and rarely carried long muskets.

Historical Background

The American Civil War was a profound and devastating internal conflict, and the Union Army’s artillery played a critical role in federal victories.

• Union Army: This figure represents a soldier fighting for the Union (Northern states/联邦/北方) to preserve the United States against the Confederate States. They were typically outfitted in dark blue tunics and sky blue trousers.

• Artillery Sergeant: The Artillery branch, distinguished by its red uniform trim, was responsible for the strategic and tactical placement and operation of cannons (such as smoothbore Napoleons and rifled Parrott guns). An Artillery Sergeant (中士) was a crucial leader. Often serving as a section chief or gun commander, they directed a specific cannon crew, oversaw aiming, loading, and firing, and ensured the readiness of the piece.